T.O. Day

Today is a key date in the football life of recalcitrant Philadelphia WR Terrell Owens. The Eagles, who suspended Owens late last season and don’t appear to be in any mood to take him back, owe him a substantial roster bonus as of today. That leaves the Eagles with three basic options: don’t pay up, but in the process allow Owens to walk as an unrestricted free agent; trade him today for whatever they can get; or pay the bonus and continue to try and find a trading partner. If the Eagles are able to move Owens today, Kansas City would appear to be the most likely destination, although Denver has also been lukewarm regarding the possibility of adding a player maker like Owens to a roster the Broncos feel is close.

No Brees signing yet… The NFL’s expected off-season round of musical QB chairs remains on hold as we go to press as San Diego unrestricted free agent Drew Brees continues to mull his options. Brees was in Miami meeting with Dolphins’ officials after visiting with New Orleans over the weekend and had been expected to make a decision on Monday. It may not be all the easy for Brees who may have to decide between accepting less from Miami, but being guaranteed, at least as much as any position in the NFL can be guaranteed, a long run as the Dolphins starter. On the other hand, New Orleans reportedly is offering more money, but apparently won’t commit not to select a QB with the second pick overall at the 2006 draft. Meanwhile, Minnesota QB Daunte Culpepper remains in limbo awaiting for the Brees domino to fall. It is expected, for example, that Miami will set its sights on a trade with the Vikings for Culpepper if they can’t sign Brees. At the same time, there are rumblings that if Brees signs with the Dolphins that Oakland would likely re-enter the bidding for Culpepper. There were rumors that the Raiders had actually agreed on a trade for Culpepper with the Vikings late last week, but ultimately declined the Vikings request of a second round pick this coming April for Culpepper.